There are many techniques used to help a person detox from drugs or alcohol. One of the most helpful is an ancient practice called mindfulness. Mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of the present moment, as opposed being caught up in thoughts about the past or the future. For people undergoing detox in Sacramento at Diamond House Detox, we emphasize the importance of learning and practicing mindfulness.
The Many Benefits of Mindfulness
Living more mindfully provides a wide range of benefits, including:
More accurate self-awareness. People fighting an addiction have a tendency to see themselves inaccurately. In some cases, they have intense guilt over the situation that they feel they are solely responsible for creating and how it is affecting their loved ones. In others, they are convinced that others are entirely to blame for their addiction.The truth is almost always somewhere in between, and mindfulness helps you get a fair and accurate assessment of your situation at any given moment.
Decreased stress level. The vast majority of the stress in our lives is either due to regrets about the past or worries about the future. By keeping your thinking in the present, you can minimize your anxiety. And when your stress level is lower, you can make better choices about how to improve your life.
Greater self-control. As you gain a deeper understanding of how thoughts naturally arise, exist, and dissipate in the mind, you learn that you are not controlled by them. Waiting even just a few minutes for this cycle to run its course when an unhealthy impulse occurs can keep you from falling victim to it. In effect, you notice the thought, acknowledge it, and watch it fade as you turn your attention back to the present moment.
Better physical health. Mindfulness is about more than improving your control of your thoughts. Studies have shown that people who perform mindfulness meditation regularly have lower blood pressure, have a stronger immune system response, and sleep better.
The Perfection of the Present Moment
Whether fighting an addiction or not, most of us fail to spend enough time in the present moment, where there are is no sadness about the past or fear of the future. Learning to live more of your life in that space can be a tremendous advantage while in detox and beyond. If you are in need of detox in Sacramento, call us at (800) 205-6107 to learn more about our programs.
Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on August 14th, 2017.
